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An exploratory population-based case-control study of primary biliary cirrhosis
D Howel1, C M Fischbacher, R S Bhopal
1Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. d.howel@ncl.ac.uk
Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.)
|May 5, 2000
Summary
Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) risk may be linked to smoking history and psoriasis. This study found smoking significantly increases PBC odds, while eczema appears protective.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Epidemiology
- Autoimmune Diseases
Background:
- Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) etiology remains unknown, with geographical variations.
- Previous studies suggested various triggers, but evidence was often weak.
- A population-based case-control study was designed to investigate potential exposures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify environmental and lifestyle factors associated with Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC) development.
- To investigate previously suggested triggers and novel risk factors.
- To explore associations with autoimmune conditions, infections, vaccinations, medications, and lifestyle.
Main Methods:
- Population-based case-control study in Northeast England (1993-1995).
- Identified incident PBC cases and age/sex-matched controls from primary care registers.
- Utilized postal self-completion questionnaires for medical history and lifestyle data.
Main Results:
- No significant associations found for surgical procedures, pregnancy events, infections, vaccinations, or medications.
- Unexpected significant association found between PBC and past smoking (OR 2.4 for ever smoked, OR 3.5 for >=20 years).
- Significant association observed with psoriasis (OR 4.6), and an inverse association with eczema (OR 0.13).
Conclusions:
- Past smoking and psoriasis are potential risk factors for Primary Biliary Cirrhosis.
- Eczema may have a protective effect against PBC.
- Further research is warranted to confirm these unexpected associations.